Tamarind Vietnamese Grill & Noodle House — Restaurant in Calgary

I went to this place on a recommendation from a friend and they're vegetarian (I think they are primarily if not all vegan).

I walked in with my friend and there was a 6-top and two 4-tops. In total there were 16 people in the restaurant including my friend and I. About 3 minutes after we walked in a couple walked in and they were told by the man managing the front that "everyone just came in at once and it would be 45 minutes for food". The restaurant is literally 1/3 full. They turned away another table that came in a few minutes later with the same line. It started to make sense why this man was turning guests away when we observe there were only two people working in the kitchen. It is a family owned place so I believe the staffing is very limited. From a guest perspective it's not a great look to be discouraging potential diners away when the restaurant is 1/3 full. The customer service was very awkward and short. There was no introduction or small talk with the man seating tables. He wasn't rude at all but seemed very nervous and stressed.

They don't serve alcohol here, not a big deal but something to consider if you like wine or a drink with your entree. There is no music or any kind of sound ambiance so you literally here just chatter everywhere. The place is visually very appealing and clean. Very simple but elegant looking.

The food is good. I enjoyed the pad thai and the sauce was very flavorful. The dishes are well put together and it's what I expected. I watched numerous dishes come out and they all looked beautiful and good size portions. If you like Vietnamese food - vegan or not I think you will enjoy this place for the food.

This place has massive potential but needs to hire trained staff that can make an...

I’m sorry but these grand reviews are bias due to the demographic and the limited options to vegans. Honestly they are heavily swayed. It’s like asking a sport team fan for criticize of their own team. Anyways, I support these observations about service and preparation time.

We arrived a little over and hour from closing, weeks ago and on arrival, an order was finished being served. 3 tables were done and socializing as we ordered. 20-30 minutes later a take out order was finished and consisted of one soup container and something small.

We were served our food 45 minutes after ordering and why?!? The ‘meat’ is pressed and formed so this didn’t take time (or shouldn’t be a hands on process in meal ordering). The front of the restaurant was served only once while we were there but had time for 3 social/conversations during payment. Did this delay the food order? Either or, it’ll be better off if you order and pick up at the counter then to serve to sitting customers.

Now the food. It had as much flavor as I’ve been able to extract with homemade but that takes me 10 minutes, and pick an arrangement of vegetables, not all of them.

I got the impression the establishment is less about food and more about catering to vegans. If you can’t handle a few tables of customers, consider downsizing.

Either or, take a trip to Edmonton to Padmanadi, https://maps.app.goo.gl/31whyaBp4LKkypg17?g_st=ic. They can cater to groups of 15, at lunch and 10 times the menu size. All within 20minutes and with half the restaurant seating space.

There is a lot to learn...

I'm glad to see this place continue to thrive. Their new location is easily accessible via car (plenty of nearby street parking) or transit. In addition, their venue is much more spacious and visually appealing in comparison to its cramped hole-in-a-wall days.

Pro-tip: if you are inviting people over, make sure to provide the address, since there is a different restaurant listed in Google Maps that also goes by the name Tamarind. I've had folks inadvertently go to the wrong place due to this.

The only downside with the menu is that there are no pictures present, so it may be difficult to choose if you are going for the first time or didn't look up pictures or reviews in Google Maps prior.

My recommendations are the paradise rolls, veggie a la lots, and Vietnamese sizzling crepe for shareable appetizers. For entrees, I'd go for the deliciously satisfying laksa, the flavourful tofu curry stir fry, or their take on the classic crispy noodles. Drinks are limited to water, tea, and pop, but the highlight of the restaurant is clearly in their hearty and tasty "I can't believe this is vegan" meals.

Service is on the slower side, but staff are friendly. Plus, this gives you plenty of time to chat and enjoy people's company. As long as you don't arrive starving.

Definitely one of the best places to enjoy vegan food in Calgary. Highly...